Celebrate the Year of the Rooster at Jade

January 22, 2017

Story By: Maria Kanai | Photos by: ANTHONY CONSILLIO

Lobster with garlic and butter on a bed of chow mein noodles

Chinese New Year is all about extravagance at Jade Dynasty. The six-year-old restaurant at Ala Moana Center is offering a special menu for the Year of the Rooster, inviting customers to bring family and friends to enjoy an indulgent nine-course meal. There are even lion dance performances on Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. — reservations are still open on those nights if you want something extra special.

On the new year menu, there are deep-fried shrimp balls; crab meat and fish maw soup; smoked chrysanthemum chicken; steamed whole fish with scallions and soy sauce; garlic and butter lobster on a bed of chow mein noodles; braised pork ribs in chef’s special sauce; New Year Good Luck “Jai;” sticky rice with preserved meats in lotus wrap; and mochi balls in a sweet ginger broth. The course is priced at $398 for a party of 10 through Feb. 15, and must be ordered one day in advance.

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Steamed whole fish with scallions and soy sauce

“Each dish on this new year menu has a special, cultural meaning,” says Gary Chan, general manager at Jade Dynasty. “For example, the word ‘fish’ in Cantonese is ‘yu,’ which also means ‘extra.’ So, we eat seafood and fish in hopes of having ‘extra,’ or more than we need in the upcoming year.”

The steamed uhu is fresh and local, and is also offered a la carte on the regular menu at market price. The lobster signifies good health, and the chicken is served in honor of the Year of the Rooster. The sticky rice and mochi balls represent the importance of family and friends “sticking” together.

Smoked chrysanthemum chicken (all photos from new year menu)

Dishes on the menu can be customized to customers’ preferences. There are six private rooms that can be combined and used for parties, making Jade Dynasty — with its elegant ambiance and delicious Hong Kong-style food — perfect for your next big get-together.